settling in (in a sort of, kind of way) between unpacking boxes and building warming fires in an old wood stove…

between long weekends away at holiday fairs and all the wooden horses, beeswax angels and gingerbread men, freezing rain and winter weather, early mornings and late dinners, dark and moonlight nights…

a child homebound and sick at time least expected more than ready to return to her pace, between a busy workbench and shipping boxes eager to see their new homes,

the new work projects that will sit speechless until time slows again, the tree yet to join us for christmas with their pretty little lights to have us sit still on a cold and quiet night by a comforting fire ….

A snowy day and finally some quiet time to spend just with my girl and Christmas preparation. There is just time enough to start a new project.that has been dancing around me. Oh, I so love new projects! ….I have said it before, “I am not a sewer”. But one day, I will not be able to make that claim anymore.In the last couple of years, I have been teaching myself to sew – mostly by need and by trial and error. Like many things, having an idea and desire are enough to make a leap into the unknown. Intuition has to stay near by to help me out most of the time.

I made up a pattern by tracing some pants that were on hand … guessing how much extra might be needed for the seams. After managing to sew one pant leg completely together, I decided that there was no reasonable way for the pajamas to be put on that way and undid my work. I then pinned and sewed back and front parts the way pants are supposed to be sewn together. I can not say how exciting it was that the pajamas worked! My girl (and one of her dolls) was able to actually put them on. She is so happy to wear them around – how wonderful! And just in the nick of time for Christmas eve.

The day after Christmas, I began the kimono tops … I would have never have imagined how those pieces of fabric might need to be laid out and sewn to actually make a top. It has been a treat learning something new and making something useful for my daughter that she loves! Merry Christmas!!

I know there must be a pretty long list of absolute likes and dislikes when it comes to food… the list might include mushrooms, olives, even cilantro, brussel sprouts and marzipan… (I happen to like all the above.)

Now when I think of marzipan, I am not thinking about those overly, sugary-sweet marzipan candies.. but lovely edibles handcrafted by Italian and German bakeries and confectioners made from a blend of ground almonds (and sugar!)

Marzipan is a tasty and wonderful modeling paste

used traditionally for special holiday treats at Christmas and Easter worldwide.

In the light of a happy tree with our little mascot looking on … we are at play and serious all at once. …Well not all pigs are like all other pigs .. but they are all fun and a yummy.